Canada Removes Syria  

• Canada lifts sanctions in coordination with key allies.
• Ottawa had listed Syria as a terror-supporting state in 2012.
• Sanctions remain on 56 individuals tied to the Assad era.

Canada Removes Syria

OTTAWA: Canada on Friday removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism and revoked the terror designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The move aligns with recent policy shifts by the United Kingdom and the United States, as Western nations reassess ties with Damascus.

Sanctions Eased After Syria’s Leadership Shift

Canada’s decision follows the ousting of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad last December. After Assad’s fall, HTS took control of the government and backed the rise of the country’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

In its statement, Canada’s foreign ministry said, “These decisions were not taken lightly.” The ministry added that the changes support international efforts to stabilise Syria under its transitional government.

Why Canada Placed Syria on the List in 2012

Ottawa designated Syria as a “state supporter of terrorism” in 2012 after Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests. The unrest plunged the country into a devastating civil war that reshaped regional politics.

HTS also faced heavy sanctions due to its past links with Al-Qaeda. However, several Western governments have since removed the terror label to allow cooperation with the new Syrian administration.

New Leadership Signals a Policy Reset

President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government has repeatedly tried to distance itself from Syria’s violent past. It has promoted a more moderate image and promised political and social reforms.

Since taking power, Syrian officials have urged global partners to reassess their stance and support the country’s reconstruction and stabilisation plans.

Canada Retains Sanctions on Key Assad-Era Figures

Despite easing state-level restrictions, Canada will keep sanctions on 56 individuals. These include members of the Assad family and former high-ranking officials from the previous regime.

The foreign ministry emphasised that these individuals “remain accountable for past abuses and destabilising actions.”

What Comes Next?

People gather at Umayyad Square in Damascus to watch President Ahmed Al-Sharaa deliver a UN speech.  ReutersIndia and Russia set for major trade discussions today

With Canada joining allied nations in easing restrictions, Damascus may see broader diplomatic openings in the coming months. However, the retention of personal sanctions underscores Ottawa’s cautious approach as Syria navigates its post-Assad transition.https://globiscope.com

More countries are expected to review their policies as Syria’s new leadership continues to signal reform and cooperation with the international community.